The State Bar of California e-briefs

The State Bar of California e-briefs November 3, 2009     STATE BAR FEE BILL --- Reacting to Gov. Schwarzenegger's veto of the State Bar dues bill last month, bar President Howard Miller said the governor's concerns are "legitimate" and may force the bar to make some necessary changes.   CIVIL GIDEON --- California now has the nation's first "Civil Gideon" statute, which provides a lawyer to people who cannot afford one in civil cases related to critical basic human needs.   REVISING ATTORNEY RULES --- Public comment is sought at a Nov. 10 hearing on proposed changes to the rules that govern the state's lawyers.   SPEAK UP --- Hearings will be held in December in Los Angeles and San Francisco to collect public and attorney input on attorney disciplinary procedures, attorney competency and admissions procedures.   APPOINTED --- George Davis, a Los Angeles media entrepreneur, was reappointed to the board of governors and public policy expert Jeannine English returns after an earlier term expired last summer.   INSURANCE COVERAGE --- Beginning January 1, lawyers who do not carry malpractice insurance must tell their clients - under most circumstances - that they are not insured.   ELECTRONIC ADDRESSES --- All California attorneys must provide an e-mail address to the State Bar beginning Feb. 1, 2010, under a new rule of court approved by the Supreme Court.